Drug interactions
Desvenlafaxine + Paroxetine
Severity: Major
Desvenlafaxine and Paroxetine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Both drugs increase serotonin activity, and combining them raises the risk of serotonin syndrome. Desvenlafaxine can also raise blood pressure, adding to adverse effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desvenlafaxine and Paroxetine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Desvenlafaxine belongs to Central Nervous System; Paroxetine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive inhibition of serotonin reuptake.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use and choose a single agent or class. If combination is unavoidable, monitor for serotonin toxicity symptoms and blood pressure.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Paroxetine
- Isocarboxazid + Paroxetine Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Paroxetine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Selegiline Contraindicated
Other interactions of Desvenlafaxine
- Desvenlafaxine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Selegiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desvenlafaxine with Paroxetine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Desvenlafaxine and Paroxetine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Both drugs increase serotonin activity, and combining them raises the risk of serotonin syndrome. Desvenlafaxine can also raise blood pressure, adding to adverse effects.
How serious is the interaction between Desvenlafaxine and Paroxetine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid concurrent use and choose a single agent or class. If combination is unavoidable, monitor for serotonin toxicity symptoms and blood pressure.
What other medicines interact with Paroxetine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Paroxetine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Paroxetine page.
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